Go Back

Irresistibly Moist Brown Butter Banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts

Experience the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter banana bread with walnuts — a bakery-style loaf that’s ultra-moist, perfectly sweet, and loaded with crunchy walnut pieces. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting. Save this pin and try it the next time you have ripe bananas!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, browned
  • 3 large ripe bananas mashed
  • ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup 50g light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon optional
  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts plus extra for topping

Method
 

Brown the Butter
  1. Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt, bubble, and turn golden brown while releasing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prep the Bananas
  1. Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl. The more overripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.
Combine Wet Ingredients
  1. Whisk in the brown butter, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Bring Everything Together
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so keep it light.
Add Walnuts
  1. Fold in the chopped walnuts. For extra crunch, sprinkle some on top before baking.
Bake
  1. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes.
  2. Your loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Slice
  1. Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing for clean, soft cuts.

Notes

Storing and Reheating Tips
This Brown Butter Banana Bread with Walnuts stays moist and delicious for days, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts.
Room Temperature Storage (3 Days)
  • Allow the bread to cool completely.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
  • Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration (Up to 1 Week)
  • Wrap the cooled loaf or slices in plastic wrap + foil, or place in a sealed container.
  • Refrigerate for 7 days.
  • Keep slices separated with parchment paper.
Freezing Instructions (Up to 3 Months)
Banana bread freezes beautifully!
  • Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Add a layer of foil or use a freezer-safe bag.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw slices on the counter for 20 minutes or thaw the whole loaf overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat
  • Microwave: Warm a slice 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-baked feel.
  • Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes (slices) or 12–15 minutes (whole loaf).
  • Pro Tip: Add a small pat of butter before reheating for extra moisture and richness.